Meatloaf Sauce
This homemade meatloaf sauce is the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. It’s easy to make, versatile, and elevates your meatloaf to the next level. Whether you like it smoky, spicy, or herb-infused, this sauce is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vinegar apple cider or white wine vinegar works best
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano optional
Instructions
Gather Your Ingredients
- Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients you need: ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar works well), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried oregano (optional for added flavor).
Combine the Ingredients
- In a medium saucepan, add the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. Stir everything together until the brown sugar dissolves and the ingredients form a smooth, consistent mixture.
Simmer and Blend the Flavors
- Place the saucepan on medium heat and let the mixture simmer lightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, giving it enough time for the flavors to come together and for the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust
- Sample the sauce and tweak the spices to suit your preference. If you'd like more sweetness, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar. For more tang, increase the vinegar. For some extra spice, stir in a small pinch of cayenne or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.
Cool and Serve
- When the sauce has reached the right thickness and the flavors have melded together, take the saucepan off the heat. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving to enhance its flavor. Drizzle it generously over your meatloaf or serve it on the side as a dip.
Storing Leftovers
- If you have leftover sauce, let it cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 4-5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.